Oscar Wilde said that the aim of art is “to reveal art and conceal the artist.” As I approached The Night Watcher at Studio Theatre, I had to wonder if the one-woman show was exempt from this mandate. This is Charlayne Woodard’s fourth autobiographical solo play—by now, to reveal and relive her actual life is […]
Archives for October 2013
The Argument
At first glance, the handsome high-ceilinged apartment in which nearly all of The Argument plays out seems too spacious. How are two actors — even two very good actors — to fill it? But we’re quickly reminded that homes contain more than the mere bodies of their inhabitants. We unpack enormous amounts of ourselves among […]
Brush up your Shakespeare – King John is coming
Quick! Name a Shakespeare play – any of the 37 plays we know he wrote. Did you say Hamlet? Macbeth, maybe? Romeo and Juliet or A Midsummer Night’s Dream? We’re so familiar with “the big ones” that we often forget that there are a handful of plays we won’t often see in rotation. Luckily, we’re […]
White Rabbit, Red Rabbit: each time is the first time
This week, Theater Alliance debuted its production of White Rabbit, Red Rabbit at the Anacostia Playhouse, performed by Jennifer Mendenhall, but I’m afraid you can’t see it. At least, not the way we saw it.
Get out that Fringe button, it’s time for fallFRINGE Fest
The summer’s Capital Fringe Festival is always an exciting time for theater lovers, but thankfully, you don’t need to wait 12 months for another peek at some of the most original and thought provoking theatre performances.
Pride in the Falls of Autrey Mill
Don’t let the Roman columns and Magritte-green manicured lawns fool you. Those posh McMansion suburban communities have problems of trailer-trash magnitude, according to playwright Paul Downs Colaizzo’s hilarious, pitch-black comedy Pride in the Falls of Autrey Mill, directed with intellect and a keen appreciation of the idiocy of human behavior by The Shakespeare Theatre’s artistic […]
36 Views
Who knew art history could be so riveting, dangerous, and fun? Constellation Theatre Company tackles Naomi Iizuka’s mind-bending play 36 Views in a kaleidoscopic journey through ancient Asian culture and black market intrigue that must be seen to be believed.
The Iceman Cometh
First-time director Michael Avolio has done something extraordinary. How’s that, you ask? Not only did he have the chutzpah to stage Eugene O’Neill’s rarely-produced, large-ensemble grand requiem to “hopeless hope,” The Iceman Cometh as his debut, but the production at Bethesda’s Quotidian Theatre is a smashing success, capturing the essential horror, joy, humor and naked […]
Love in Afghanistan
Arena Stage’s moving Love in Afghanistan follows an unlikely romance that blooms amid the chaos of present-day Afghanistan. An American rapper and Afghan interpreter overcome culture clashes, CIA interrogations, and sectarian violence to form a touching bond that bridges their wildly different worlds.
Deidra LaWan Starnes takes on role in Gee’s Bend this weekend
Audiences seeing MetroStage’s critically acclaimed production of Gee’s Bend this weekend will be in for a special treat. For performances Oct 24 – 27, Helen Hayes Award recipient Deidra LaWan Starnes will be stepping in as Nella, temporarily replacing Margo Moorer who originated the role because the actress had a prior commitment in Atlanta. Gee’s […]
Costume sale this Saturday at Adventure Theatre MTC
Just in time for Halloween, Adventure Theatre MTC is holding its giant costumes and props sale on Saturday, October 26. Bargain hunters will find costumes in kids and adults sizes, props, and, we’re assured, plenty of fun hats. Most costumes are marked $5 to $10 plus a big $1 bin. Cash or credit cards are […]
Special Agent Galactica and Peter Fields at L’Enfant Cafe
At the crossroads of Adams Morgan and Dupont, L’Enfant Café spills candlelight and savory aromas onto the street corner. Tureens of onion soup and buttery mussels steam up the snug little bistro, a couple tug on the loose ends of a mountain of French fries like they’re playing Janga. It’s an Old-World date spot that […]